WHO ARE THE SAINTS?
(PART II)
In the books of Romans (1:7), 1st Corinthians (1:2) and 2nd Corinthians (1:1) in the New Testament, St. Paul writes to the Church of God, where the beloved are called to be saints. He admonishes the converts in these chapters how they ought to live their lives now that they have taken on Christ. In Chapter 12 in the book of Romans, the saints are admonished to offer themselves as holy, living sacrifices to God. They are not to follow the world in its doings, but seek the things of God. They should make a real difference in the world. Their love should be boundless; considering others before themselves. They should be able to patiently endure tribulation. They should be efficient in business practices and honest as well. They should be able to bless people who curse them, be hospitable and kind to all men. They should be peaceful people; not looking for revenge. Realizing that God the Father will reward every man according to his work. Above all they should overcome evil with good. This is the profile of the saint; the called-out ones, the holy ones the set-apart ones.
In the days of the Old Testament, Israel, God’s chosen people were also called saints. In the New Testament, Israel by adoption, through the blood shed by Christ Jesus is called saints.
Gal 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile
both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
The scriptures supporting the name of the people of God throughout the bible are numerous. In the scriptures there are three quotations with the word Christian. These are:
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
1Peter 5:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him
unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves
with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians
first in Antioch.
After all the references in the bible to the true name of the people of God, it was in Antioch that the people of God were first called Christians. So what were they called before? The scriptures mentioned in the last article as well as the foregoing and those that will follow as well as numerous others which cannot be included tell us that they were and are called saints. Men nicknamed the people of God Christians but God gave unto His people a sanctified name, Saints.
Revelation 14:12 tells us that it is the saints who keep the
commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus Christ. These same
saints are finally partaking of the marriage supper where they are robed
in white, representing the righteousness of the saints and they sing
honour and glory to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
What a day it will be when the saints go marching in!